Meet Our Team

BRITTNEY LEE

Team Building Sessions

If you ask Brittney, she’ll tell you The Madison team is her second family. If you ask us, we’ll say we’re super grateful for her because Brittney is the glue that holds this family together. As General Manager, she leads our team by example. “No matter the role, every person at The Madison Event Center has one goal in mind: to give our clients the best day ever. Every day, that’s our responsibility.” Brittney’s been hooked on hospitality management since college when she worked as a bartender while earning her degree in marketing at Northern Kentucky University. Soon after, she launched a career in sales and events and is still living that dream. Those are her words, mind you. We couldn’t invent the kind of passion Brittney has for what we do.

FLOWER FEVER

When Brittney planned her own wedding (at The Madison, of course!), flowers barely made her list of priorities. But today, they’d be at the top. “Flowers, flowers everywhere!” she says of her favorite wedding trend. “I absolutely love a ceremony and reception covered in flowers.” A Cincinnati native, Brittney currently lives in Lawrenceburg—she swears it’s not that far—with her husband and their daughters, who makes her laugh every day and has taught her a new meaning of the word patience.

GUILTY PLEASURE

Reality-TV

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT

Hawaii

BIGGEST INSPIRATION

Her husband

AMBER SEHLHORST

EAT, SLEEP, MADISON

Amber has been in the Wedding and Event industry since high school when she wanted a fun job for the weekends. Continuing as a Banquet Server for a Cincinnati venue throughout college, she loved serving corporate meetings and luncheons, but especially weddings! “I quickly knew that I had a true passion for event planning, so after I graduated from Miami University in 2013, I was hopeful I’d be able to continue doing what I loved full time,” Amber says. In April of 2014, Amber joined The Madison Event Center as a full-time Wedding Event Specialist where she worked with over 350 couples until her husband’s promotion moved them out of state. Fast forward a few years, Amber is now back with The Madison Event Center and couldn’t be happier!

MOST MEMORABLE WEDDING EVENT

“One of the Brides I worked with had a huge vision for a Harry Potter-themed Wedding! As a huge Harry Potter fan, I had so much fun helping her bring it all to life,” Amber tells us. “We turned The Madison’s Galleria Ballroom into the iconic Great Hall, with 4 long tables representing the 4 Hogwarts Houses, with appropriate house-themed napkins, chair sashes, table runners and memorabilia running down the center. Floating candles were hung from the ceiling using fishing wire. A family friend even wore a ‘sorting hat’ and gave guests their table assignments during cocktail hour! For favors, guests were sent home with homemade magic wands. It was simply amazing!

FAVORITE WEDDING TREND

Amber can’t get enough of glitzy glam! “I love bold metallic tones tied into any color scheme– gold, rose gold and silver. When it comes to table linens, the more sequins, the better. I also love a pretty wedding cake.”

BIGGEST INSPIRATION

“I am most inspired by my husband and my kids,” Amber says affectionately. “They are my reason for everything!”

GUILTY PLEASURE

“I’ve never met a meat and cheese board I didn’t like, Amber tells us, “and a glass of red wine before bed is good for your heart and soul—or at least that is what I have heard!”

ASHLEY BANGI

MISSION: PERFECTION

Around here, we say perfection is in our details, and Ashley couldn’t agree more. She strives to make every wedding celebration perfect for her clients and loves helping them customize every little detail to get there. “I’m most excited about being part of a couple’s journey and creating the special day they’ve always dreamed of,” she says. When it comes to capturing that special day, there’s always one photo she urges couples to nail: the reaction of the person waiting at the end of the aisle.

TEAM SPIRIT

Ashley is a team player, a quality she picked up on the soccer field and brings to work with her every day. She played the sport as a kid and for four years at Campbell University in North Carolina, where she met her husband. The couple married in 2014 and celebrated their reception (where else?) at The Madison. When she’s not helping other couples plan their dream wedding, Ashley loves going to FC Cincinnati games with her husband, son & daughter and serving in their church. We should also mention that if you hear her talking about “forced fun,” don’t worry. She’s just referring to the game nights she likes to host for her friends & family. Pictionary, anyone?

WHAT SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Faith, family and dark chocolate

DOGS OR CATS?

Dogs. She has two, Izzy and Gracie

FAVORITE RECEPTION TREND

A custom dish that represents the couple’s heritage.

NICOLE MILLER

IN YOUR DREAMS, EVERY DETAIL MATTERS

Nicole lives for the excitement in planning an unforgettable wedding day. “I am just as excited as my couples!” Nicole has helped hundreds plan their special day, and we know she doesn’t miss a beat! Her enthusiasm and passion are unmatched and she loves playing such an important role in planning the “event of a lifetime” for her couples. “They’ve been dreaming of this for so long, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” she says. Her sole mission is to ensure that all her couples have the most perfect, stress-free wedding celebration.

HEAVY METAL

Wedding décor that is! “My absolute favorite trend right now is metals—gold, rose gold, silver, copper, and gunmetal! Metallic tones pair well with so many beautiful wedding colors,” Nicole says. We can tell you that Nicole herself has a sparkling personality, which will be evident as soon as you meet her! When it comes to décor suggestions, Nicole is full of inspiring ideas. “I love lanterns and bistro lights— on-trend but always classic,” she says, “those romantic details create a dreamy feel for your wedding.”

GUILTY PLEASURE

The Real Housewives on Bravo with a glass of wine.

BEST FRIEND

Coffee.

BIGGEST INSPIRATION

Nicole’s son. “He is my everything, my best buddy, and although I only have half of his energy and an amazing imagination, he really inspires me to be the ‘best me’ I can be every day!”

RILEY FERGUSON

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ZOE MENDENHALL

COORDINATING FROM THE START!

Zoe’s very first part-time job at 16 years old was working at a family entertainment center, Jumpy’s Fun Zone, as a Birthday Party Coordinator. “I instantly fell in love with planning parties, and I knew I had found my dream career path towards event planning!” If you ask Zoe what she loves most about working as an Event Details Specialist at the Madison, she’ll tell you that it’s helping couples create an event worth remembering. “I am extremely passionate and dedicated to each of my clients, and I love being able to take away any stress they may feel and focus on them and their needs.”

MOST MEMORABLE WEDDING EVENT

One of Zoe’s favorite wedding receptions she planned was for a couple who wanted the evening to represent a true reflection of how unique they were and how much fun they had together. The night was filled with an eclectic mix of entertainment: funny videos of the couple, games, serenades, lightsabers, magic tricks, and many more surprises. “It was exactly what the couple wanted to create, and their family and friends had a blast!”

CITY GIRL

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Zoe attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with a BA in Communication, in addition to a minor in Marketing and a secondary certificate in Public Relations. Now residing in Cincinnati, she has absolutely fallen in love with the area and finds herself spending her free time getting even more acquainted with the Queen City as her home, walking through the many downtown neighborhoods, browsing shops, and hanging out with friends in local eateries.

FAVORITE WEDDING TREND

There are so many options for trendy Late Night Stations couples can offer their guests, Zoe believes it’s one of the best parts of the evening. “Who doesn’t love digging into super yummy snacks like coney’s, nachos, and pizza after a full night of dancing? The Late Night options the Madison can provide are endless!”

BIGGEST INSPIRATION

Zoe’s friends and family inspire her each day to be the best version of herself, and to do what she loves, she tells us. “My family has taught me a valuable lesson to treat my clients as if they were my own family. My family is so important to me, and they are without a doubt my biggest supporters. I travel back home often so I can spend time with them.”

CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Sweet, sweet summertime! “I love everything about the summer season! Live concerts, outdoor adventures, family vacations—and not to mention it’s wedding season!!”

DANIELLE CLARKE

CATHY SILLETT

KEEPING ORDER

A veteran of the hospitality industry (almost 30 years!), Cathy knows a thing or two about quality service, time management, and patience. Just ask her about that last one when she tells you about her teenage great-nephew, whom she is raising along with her son. Cathy cut her teeth in the fast-food industry before joining us at The Madison Event Center more than 15 years ago and she’s been running the show as our Operations Manager ever since. While her event-day focus is on flow and organization, the job comes with a few additional perks. Her favorite? Getting a behind-the-scenes look at each bride before the ceremony. “Seeing the bride with her father right before they walk down the aisle, fluffing her dress and making sure she has tissues—just sharing this special time with them is very rewarding,” she says.

SWEET SUMMERTIME

Summer is her season. When the weather is warm, you’ll find Cathy outside pitching a tent, casting a line, soaking in the sun and relaxing with her friends and family. Can we add more here? She loves attending outdoor concerts at Riverbend; she will listen to absolutely anything!

WHAT SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Chocolate

FAVORITE WEDDING TRADITION

The anniversary dance for all married couples

BIGGEST INSPIRATION

Her fun and friendly coworkers

JASON PATTY

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

We think Jason might have been a magician in a past life because he somehow manages to be in half a dozen places at once and still execute flawlessly. On any given day, you’ll find this hardworking Operations Manager in our ballrooms and behind the scenes ensuring everything runs smoothly, from the first toast to the last dance. Basically, he’s the guy who sweats the small stuff so you don’t have to. Jason is backed by a dedicated team, and he’s grateful for their positive attitudes and strong work ethic. “We have a team willing to work harder than they play,” he says.

ALWAYS IMPROVING

If you ever have the opportunity to work with Jason, don’t be a stranger. He loves to hear from our guests, both about the things our team knocked out of the park and the areas in which they could improve. “We learn from our mistakes and always strive to give our clients the perfect event.” Jason is earning his degree in hospitality management at Cincinnati State, but when he has downtime, he spends it with his girlfriend, his family, and friends. He likes to play indoor soccer and volleyball, and enjoys the challenge of trying to “keep up with the young high school and college kids.” When he’s looking to unplug, he heads outside for a run with his dog or a night camping in the woods.

FAVORITE WEDDING TREND

Doughnuts in lieu of a traditional wedding cake

BIGGEST INSPIRATION

The teachers and academic advisers who have pushed him to earn his degree

WHAT HE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Peanut butter and chocolate

MITCH WELDISHOFER

FARM TO PLATE

Mitch has been passionate about food ever since his parents taught him to cook using fruits, vegetables, and herbs from their garden, which he cultivated to prepare meals for their family of nine. As our Executive Chef, he maintains the philosophy that fresh, quality ingredients produce the best dishes. He makes almost everything we serve at The Madison Event Center from scratch, from house-made dressings, sauces, and seasonings to fresh-baked bread. So, aside from dinner being cooked to perfection, what’s his idea of a perfect event? “I just want everyone to be happy,” he says. “Seeing all those smiles and knowing that I had a helping hand in making someone’s day special.”

GIVING BACK

If you would have asked him 10 years ago what he couldn’t live without, Mitch would have told you his weekly bowling league or listening to music while cruising in his car. And now? “My faith,” he says. When he’s not in our kitchen, you’ll find him cooking meals for his elderly neighbors, volunteering at his local food pantry and teaching weekly classes for Confirmation candidates at his Catholic parish. He also enjoys spending time with his longtime girlfriend (who he credits for supporting and inspiring him throughout his career), tending to his garden, backyard barbecues, and camping. At some point in there, we presume he finds time to sleep.

BIGGEST INSPIRATION

His father

FAVORITE WEDDING TREND

Charity registries, which encourage guests to make donations in lieu of gifts

Dogs or cats?

Trick question. Mitch has a three-legged Weimaraner, four cats, and 15 chickens.

ERIC SCHENE

FROM THE HOBO HUT TO HAUTE CUISINE

Eric has come a long way since his first gig flipping burgers at The Hobo Hut near his hometown of Batesville, Indiana, “making a whopping $3 an hour,” as he recalls. As a professional Chef, he’s worked in kitchens across the country, from Ohio and Indiana to Colorado, New York, and Vermont. The number of people seated at his tables has varied through the years, too. He’s cooked for as few as two people at a time, as a family’s personal chef, to as many as a thousand, in the kitchen at Argosy Casino in Indiana. But the one thing that’s remained constant throughout his career is his passion for creating something other people really enjoy.

HOT ROD

When he’s not preparing meals for our guests at The Madison Event Center, you’ll still find Eric in the kitchen cooking for friends and family at home. Other interests include rehabbing historic houses and cars (of the latter, he’s owned more than 50!) and greasing the wheels on his own vintage ride, a 1966 Mercedes 200 Diesel. With no power steering and no power brakes, it’s “built like a German tank.” He loves taking it for rides on sunny afternoons and showing it off at car shows. And we can’t forget his dog, Trudy, which brings us to Eric’s favorite wedding trend: including family pets in wedding-day celebrations.

BIGGEST INSPIRATION

Our executive chef, Mitch Weldishofer

FAVORITE DISH AT THE MADISON

Caramelized brussels sprouts with sautéed onions and crispy bacon

WEDDING-RELATED ANXIETY

Wedding cakes toppling over (cue dramatic sound effect)

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